Young Swindon and Wiltshire (previously SMASH) has been mentoring children and young people in and around Swindon and North Wiltshire for over 20 years. They are a small team of professional mentors working to provide safe spaces and practical support for young people.
The Company’s grant assisted in setting up the project “Solid Ground Coffee Van” which provides training and employment opportunities for young people in the youth justice sector. This is a fully kitted out coffee van manned by young people referred by the youth justice team which creates opportunities for skill development and hospitality industries.
They have now been open successfully for their first year, trading well every Tuesday and Wednesday. They have supported 12 young people to access meaningful employment through improved skills, confidence and opportunities through working on the coffee van. They are expecting to open a further café at Easter this year to allow them to work with more young people in the coming year.
